Transfer sleeve for use with a medical device delivery system

Abstract

A transfer sleeve includes a proximal portion defining a proximal channel. The proximal channel has a cross-sectional area that allows a shaft of the delivery system to fit within the proximal channel of the proximal portion. The transfer sleeve also includes a distal portion defining a distal channel. The distal channel has a cross-section area that allows the shaft of the delivery system to fit within the distal channel. Further, the transfer sleeve includes a body portion coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion and defining a body cavity. The body portion is formed of a compressible material that allows the proximal portion to move axially relative to the distal portion. The body cavity, proximal channel, and distal channel form a fluid tight cavity when the proximal portion is engaged with the shaft of the delivery system and the distal portion is engaged with a capsule.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transfer sleeve for use with a delivery system for an implantable medical device, the transfer sleeve comprising:
 a proximal portion defining a proximal channel, wherein the proximal channel has a cross-sectional area that allows a shaft of the delivery system to fit within the proximal channel of the proximal portion;   a distal portion defining a distal channel, wherein the distal channel has a cross-section area that allows the shaft of the delivery system to fit within the distal channel of the distal portion; and   a body portion coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion and defining a body cavity, wherein:
 the body portion is formed of a compressible material that allows the proximal portion to move axially relative to the distal portion, and 
 the body cavity, proximal channel, and distal channel form a fluid tight cavity when the proximal portion is engaged with the shaft of the delivery system and the distal portion is engaged with a capsule. 
   
     
     
         2 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion further comprises:
 a first seal clamp; and   a first radial seal coupled to an interior surface of the first seal clamp; wherein the first radial seal forms a fluid seal with the shaft when the proximal portion is engaged with the shaft.   
     
     
         3 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 2 , wherein the distal portion further comprises:
 a second seal clamp; and   a second radial seal coupled to an interior surface of the second seal clamp; wherein the second radial seal forms a fluid seal with the capsule when the proximal portion is engaged with the capsule.   
     
     
         4 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 3 , wherein the first seal clamp and the second seal clamp are tubular shaped and wherein the second seal clamp has an outer diameter formed to a size to engage with an edge of an introducer sheath when the delivery system is inserted into the introducer sheath thereby causing the second seal clamp to move towards a proximal end of the delivery system. 
     
     
         5 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 4 , wherein the body portion is formed of an elastic material that compresses when the second seal clamp moves towards the proximal end of the delivery system. 
     
     
         6 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 5 , wherein the elastic material is latex. 
     
     
         7 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 4 , wherein the body portion further comprises:
 a plurality of circular spines positioned axially between the proximal portion and the distal portion; and   a plurality of compressible membranes, one of the plurality of compressible membranes coupled between adjacent circular spines from the plurality of circular spines, wherein the plurality of compressible membranes compresses when the second seal clamp moves towards the proximal end of the delivery system.   
     
     
         8 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the body portion, proximal portion, or distal portion is constructed of a transparent material or semi-transparent material. 
     
     
         9 . A transfer sleeve for use with a delivery system for an implantable medical device, the transfer sleeve comprising:
 a proximal portion defining a proximal channel, wherein:
 a portion of the proximal portion extends from a central axis of the proximal portion to engage with an edge of an introducer sheath when the delivery system is inserted into the introducer sheath, and 
 the proximal channel has a cross-sectional area that allows a shaft of the delivery system to fit within the proximal channel of the proximal portion; 
   a distal portion defining a distal channel, wherein the distal channel has a cross-section area that allows the shaft of the delivery system to fit within the distal channel of the distal portion; and   a body portion coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion and defining a body channel, wherein:
 the distal portion and the body portion have exterior diameters that enable the distal portion and the body portion to enter a lumen of the introducer sheath, and 
 the body channel, proximal channel, and distal channel form a fluid tight cavity when the proximal portion is engaged with the shaft of the delivery system and the distal portion is engaged with a capsule. 
   
     
     
         10 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the proximal portion further comprises:
 a first hub; and   a first radial seal coupled to an interior surface of the first hub; wherein the first radial seal forms a fluid seal with the shaft when the proximal portion is engaged with the shaft.   
     
     
         11 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 10 , wherein the distal portion further comprises:
 a tapered seal, wherein the tapered seal forms a fluid seal with the capsule when the proximal portion is engaged with the capsule.   
     
     
         12 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the portion of the proximal portion that extends from a central axis comprises a pair of tabs extending from opposing sides of the proximal portion. 
     
     
         13 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the proximal channel reduces in diameter from a first end of the proximal portion to a second end of the proximal portion. 
     
     
         14 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the distal channel reduces in diameter from a first end of the distal portion to a second end of the distal portion. 
     
     
         15 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the body portion, proximal portion, or distal portion is constructed of a transparent material or semi-transparent material. 
     
     
         16 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the body portion, proximal portion, or distal portion are constructed as a single integrated piece. 
     
     
         17 . The transfer sleeve of  claim 9 , wherein the body portion, proximal portion, and the distal portion are constructed as a single piece injection molded structure. 
     
     
         18 . A method, the method comprising:
 installing a transfer sleeve onto a catheter portion of a delivery system, wherein the transfer sleeve creates a fluid tight cavity surrounding an exposed portion of an implantable medical device coupled to the catheter portion of the delivery system;   inserting the catheter portion of the delivery system into an introducer sheath, the introducer sheath providing access to a vessel; and   advancing the catheter portion through the introducer sheath, wherein:
 the transfer sleeve contacts a surface of the introducer sheath as the catheter portion advances through the introducer sheath, and 
 the contact causes the transfer sleeve to remain stationary relative to the catheter portion as the catheter portion advances through the introducer sheath. 
   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein installing the transfer sleeve comprises:
 positioning a proximal portion of the transfer sleeve on a shaft of the catheter portion; and   positioning a distal portion of the transfer sleeve on a capsule of the catheter portion.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a distal portion of the transfer sleeve enters a lumen of the introducer sheath.